The filming of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ was anything but a breeze, particularly when it came to reaching some of the movie’s far-flung set locations.
While a lot of the cast had to hike up the steep inclines to reach the set, Anne Hathaway recently revealed that she was the only one who didn’t, and for a rather fitting reason.
Playing Queen Penelope Earned Anne Hathaway Daily Helicopter Rides On ‘The Odyssey’
When asked about the experience, Hathaway said she thought she would hike like everyone else. She even had her hiking boots ready to go, believing she would tackle the steep trek alongside the rest of the cast and crew. But those plans were altered by an executive decision.
Related: Matt Damon Calls ‘The Odyssey’ “Hardest Movie I’ve Ever Made” After Brutal 6-Month Shoot
However, the filmmakers apparently did not want Hathaway to look tired and rugged before she was in front of the camera, as she was playing Queen Penelope. As a result, she was flown to the set by helicopter every day. “I got to take a helicopter to work every single day, which was amazing,” Hathaway recalled while talking to the BBC.
“I think the executive decision was made that, because Penelope was the queen and that she couldn’t arrive looking as rugged as the suitors or some of the other members of the Ithacan royal court, that I should be helicoptered up. So I got to take a helicopter to work every single day, which was amazing.”
Hathaway Made It Clear The Special Treatment Wasn’t Just Hollywood Luxury
While it may seem like a dream come true, Hathaway was adamant that it wasn’t just about treating her like a celebrity. She said that helicopters were already being used to move equipment up the mountain, and several crew members who were physically limited also used them to get to the filming site.
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The aircraft were flying regularly anyway, so from time to time the queen was “shoved” into one of them, as Hathaway said with a smile. The actress also added that she didn’t see any bitterness from her co-stars either. She said that even if they were jealous, they certainly didn’t let it show.
The behind-the-scenes story provides a fun look at the practical challenges of making one of the greatest epics of all time come to life. The filming locations were remote, so it was necessary to think outside the box when it came to logistics. In this instance, keeping Queen Penelope’s regal look was part of the equation.
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